Azerai La Residence, Hue

Housed in a former colonial governor’s residence and opened as a hotel in late 2005, this lovely property is packed with history and charm. It dates back to the 1930s and has been renovated with elements from the Art Deco period. The beautifully designed interiors were created by Paris-based interior designer Brigitte Dumont de Chassart. Two wings were added to the original residence when it became a hotel, and rooms now are spread throughout the three wings. The entire property is elegant and grand, inside and out. Famous and honorable guests over the years have included deceased King Bhumipol of Thailand, American actor and comedian Danny Devito, Irish actor Colin James Farrell, and Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito. It also draws many couples, as well as families, groups, individuals, and business travelers. 

This hotel is set on a wide swath of landscaped grounds facing a wide boulevard and overlooking the Perfume River. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is just a minute's walk from the hotel, and the famed Thien Mu Pagoda can be reached in 10 minutes by car. The Citadel also is about 10 minutes away by car, and both Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb are about a 13-minute drive away. Minh Mang Tomb is a little farther away but can be reached in less than 30 minutes by car. The Hue Railway Station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and Hue's Phu Bai Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. Expect about a two-hour drive to Danang International Airport. The hotel offers a number of tours of Hue and the surrounding area, including on bicycles. 

All rooms and suites are attractively decorated in an elegant style that's modern, but also reminiscent of a classic colonial villa. Design features include hardwood floors, French colonial tiling in black and gold, and beautiful Art Deco lighting and dark wood furniture. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea and coffee, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes. Bathrooms also feature vintage tiling, pedestal sinks, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, showers or shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Robes and slippers are provided, as are free bottled water and fresh fruit. Rooms are split between the original wing and two newer wings added when the hotel opened in 2005. Suites in the older building offer canopied beds and large furnished terraces. Views are of the river, garden, pool, or the street in front of the hotel. The ultra-luxurious Resident Suite is on the top floor of the original governor's mansion and offers a huge balcony and panoramic views of the property. 

In keeping with its upscale status, this hotel offers plenty of features. Its signature restaurant, La Parfum, serves French-Vietnamese fare for all meals in an elegant space. The day starts with an expansive breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold local and international items. It will cost extra. When the weather is nice, guests can dine alfresco on a lovely terrace. Le Gouverneur Bar is a cozy space with red velvet armchairs and sofas. A mural by French artist Roland Renaud arcs overhead below the domed ceiling, adding drama to the 1920s-styled space. La Parfum also offers cooking classes that include a trip to the market. Other special dining options include a dinner cruise along the river, a private picnic, poolside barbecue, or Imperial Dinner Feast. 

The large outdoor saltwater pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with cushioned lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas. A poolside bar serves drinks and snacks. Lush trees and flowers add beauty and perfume the air -- something previous guests have noted. The well-regarded Le Spa has lovely 1930s details, lighting, and fixtures. It offers a steam room, herbal sauna, whirlpool, and seven treatment rooms. Many of the products used at the spa are sourced locally, including papaya, mango, aloe vera, coffee, honey, milk, and herbs.  

Other offerings at the hotel include a library with computers for guests to use and an art gallery. A boutique sells clothing, jewelry, accessories, and handicrafts. Two meeting rooms can accommodate large and small gatherings, and the garden is available for private events as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.